Spintronics without magnets: Spin-optics and Diffuse emission

Arcadi Shekhter The Weizmann Institute of Science

Abstract:
We describe how to spin-polarize ballistic electrons in a
two-dimensional semiconductor heterostructure with a field-effect gate
control of the spin-orbit interaction. In the suggested scheme (which
we term spin-optics), a beam of electrons splits in two spin-polarized
components propagating in
different directions. The phenomenon of the spin-dependent refraction
of the electrons is similar to the birefringence of light in crystal
optics.
We outline possible devices based on the spin-optics approach,
including spin filter and spin switch. We also discuss how the
phenomenon of the diffuse emission can help the realization of this
approach.
References:
"Spin Polarization of Electrons by Nonmagnetic Heterostructures:
The Basics of Spin Optics", Phys.Rev.Lett. 92, 086602 (2004).
"Diffuse emission in the presence of an inhomogeneous spin-orbit
interaction for the purpose of spin filtration", Phys.Rev.B 71, 125114 (2005).